Transformer Explodes Outside Power Plant in Georgia

A transformer exploded and caught fire Sunday night outside Plant McDonough-Atkinson, a natural gas fueled power plant in north central Georgia, local media report.

Cobb County Fire Public Information Officer Nich Danz reported that charged material exploded and that flammable liquid spilled in and around the transformer.

To prevent further exposure, the Cobb County Fire hazmat team and additional firefighters were ordered to the scene, Danz said. Firefighting foam was used to extinguish the fire.

Units arrived at 2,520-megawatt Plant McDonough at about 11:30 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames showing. It remains unknown why the transformer exploded.

All workers were accounted for with no injuries reported. No power outages occurred.